Lyon vs Valenciennes prediction: FRANCE: Coupe de France betting tips on match 2024-04-01 18:45.
[p]After suffering a difficult start to their Ligue 1 campaign this term, Lyon have fought their way back to mid-table reckoning, and with a strong end to the season, could even still seal European qualification in the standings. But before that, Les Gones have the chance to reach the Coupe de France final for the first time since 2012 – a year in which they last won the cup with a 1-0 success over then-third tier US Quevilly.[/p]
[p]Their task on paper this time around could be claimed to be just as easy, as they welcome last-placed Ligue 2 club Valenciennes to the Groupama Stadium. But the hosts have failed to win either of their last two home matches (D1, L1), whilst they struggled to a penalty shoot-out win over Strasbourg at this venue during the quarter-final stage of this competition. A five-match H2H unbeaten run (W4, D1) should at least inspire them, even if they kept just one clean sheet across that stint. [/p]
[p]To say that this match represents Valenciennes’ last chance of success this season would be a huge understatement, as the visitors remain rock bottom of the French second division with relegation almost already confirmed. With just two wins to their name from 30 league outings this term (D11, L17), the visitors sit 16 points from safety, so they arrive here with truly nothing to lose on this occasion. [/p]
[p]That’s likely their best chance of entering this clash with any confidence, as they’ve won just four of their last 20 competitive away outings, each one of those coming in this tournament against lower league opposition and with two needing penalties to advance. Valenciennes have also failed to win any of their last 13 away H2Hs (D4, L9), and subsequently their chances of reaching their second Coupe de France final – and first since 1951 – remain slim at best. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Lyon’s Rayan Cherki has netted just three competitive goals this season, but two were in this competition and between the 40th and 50th minutes. Valenciennes’ joint top-scorer Aymen Boutoutaou could be their most likely scoring candidate here, as three of his four competitive strikes this term have come away from home. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Just three of Lyon’s last ten competitive home matches witnessed both sides score on the day.[/p]